From ward committees to WhatsApp polls, citizen voices now shape how cities move. But what stands between symbolic seats at the table and real decision-making power? Mapping the shift from passive input to active collaboration – online, offline, and in-between – there are lessons that cities can’t afford to ignore.

What happens when residents help design their own commute? From Bengaluru’s hotly debated bazaar pedestrianisation to nationwide ‘streets for people’ pilots, citizen voices test‑drive sustainable transport plans. Which lessons from these talks, trials, and temporary takeovers could steer India’s future mobility toward smarter, fairer city travel tomorrow?

What if the way we move in cities could change everything, from pollution to safety? India's non-motorised transport is on the rise, with walking and cycling reshaping life, promising steps toward a greener, healthier future. What challenges lie ahead, and how could active mobility cut through the urban chaos?

Mumbai’s draft city plan just took a historic turn with a chapter on gender and social equity, thanks to years of advocacy. But women still face barriers in urban governance, especially in smaller cities. While Coimbatore and Tumakuru have made strides, many others lag behind. Can inclusive leadership truly transform India’s urban landscape, or is there more to the story of gender parity in city planning, especially in the smaller ones?

Karnataka’s draft Active Mobility Bill 2022 aims to create safer, more equitable streets for pedestrians and cyclists. But does it fully address all key challenges? From clarifying definitions to ensuring public participation, this feedback highlights vital gaps and opportunities. Will this bill set a new national standard for active mobility?

What exactly is Fare Free Public Transport, and can it really solve India’s urban mobility challenges? While some have embraced free rides, especially to ease travel for women, the pandemic’s impact on transit finances raises tough questions. Can such policies thrive amid budget crises and changing travel habits? This complex idea holds promise but also presents surprising trade-offs ahead.

As India’s cities struggle with rising pollution, water scarcity, and rapid urban growth, the governance of urban forests is emerging as a critical issue. Larger cities are taking steps to manage their green spaces, but smaller cities, often with limited resources, face significant hurdles. Can decentralised urban forestry be the solution, or will fragmented efforts continue to undermine effective management of green spaces in urban areas?

रोहण की कहानी ‘राहगीरी’ नामक एक अनजाने शहर में कदम रखती है, जहाँ सड़क पर एक भी मोटर गाड़ी नहीं है। यह कहानी एक ऐसे कल्पनाशील झरोके का द्वार खोलती है, जो पर्यावरण की उलझनों को सुलझाकर नई जीवनशैली का रास्ता दिखाती है। मुंबई में पले-बढ़े रोहण की नजरों से यह शहर केवल यातायात की दिशा ही नहीं, बल्कि सोच की दिशा भी बदलता है। समय की कश्ती पर सवार शब्दों का यह अनोखा सफर शायद कभी हकीकत ही बन जाए।

What if our cities never had motorised vehicles? Imagine Hyderabad’s vibrant nightlife, famous landmarks, and everyday hustle locked in stillness. This thought-provoking journey explores a world without cars and buses, unravelling how travel shapes our lives, food culture, history, and even nature. Could we survive the absence, or would innovation inevitably drive us toward a new era of mobility? What then keeps a city truly moving?

In the rain-soaked town of Dimapur, Lulu’s encounter with a mysterious silver crow leds her to a journey through time, giving her a glimpse into a future where machines and memories collide. From shimmering beaches to futuristic cities ruled by “The Mind,” Lulu’s adventure blurs the lines between reality and dream, past and future. In the tug of war between hope and uncertainty, what guides Lulu back home?

Public transport in smaller Indian cities was already struggling before COVID-19. But what did the pandemic do to these travel patterns? It sparked shifts in how people move, revealing new trends in private vehicle use and non-motorised transport. These changes carry both opportunities and challenges, especially outside major metros.

A closer look at over 50 studies reveals what’s missing in India’s mobility conversations: small cities. From outdated data to metro-centric research, the gaps are clear. But within these blind spots lie crucial opportunities. Could rethinking where knowledge comes from reshape how we plan transport in urban India?

Urban transport in India often focuses on metros, sidelining the unique realities of smaller cities. With limited data, varying insights, and one-size-fits-all solutions, real needs go unheard. When policies don’t fit the context, problems multiply. The story of India’s small cities is incomplete, and it’s starting to show.

Imagine India as just 100 people: how many would own a phone, have electricity, or live in a city? This thought experiment uncovers surprising truths about inequality and everyday life. Inspired by global data visualisations, it’s a snapshot of India’s diverse realities, reminding us that numbers tell stories too. As the next Census approaches, what shifts will the new decade reveal?

Balancing tradition with urban governance in India’s tribal regions is no small feat. As cities expand into Scheduled and Tribal Areas, conflicts arise between modern municipal systems and indigenous self-governance. With MESA still pending, the lack of legal clarity often leaves local bodies in a grey zone. Can legislation finally bridge the gap between preserving culture and managing urban growth in these unique regions?

Libraries are more than just collections of books; they’re vital community spaces. In India, however, urban libraries remain scarce, with one library serving 80,000 people on average. As cities grow, public libraries must evolve to foster lifelong learning and community engagement, by reimagining dynamic spaces for social interaction, creativity, and knowledge-sharing. Will investing in libraries help our cities become truly smart?

Cities are more than just buildings and streets; they’re shaped by stories and perceptions. Yet, many small Indian cities remain shadows online, barely represented on platforms like Wikipedia. Nagarpedia aims to change that by empowering citizens to enhance their cities' digital presence and strengthen local knowledge. As Wikipedia pages become richer, how do these cities finally find their voices heard and their stories told?

Indian cities are making waves in global rankings, but the results can be puzzling. While Hyderabad and Bengaluru top growth charts, they lag in innovation and quality of life. With numerous indices measuring everything from economic potential to mobility, Indian cities often find themselves on different ends of the spectrum. But do these rankings really reflect urban realities, or is there more to the story?